U.S. patent application number 13/296182 was filed with the patent office on 2012-05-17 for social gaming.
Invention is credited to Binh Nguyen.
Application Number | 20120122590 13/296182 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46048275 |
Filed Date | 2012-05-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120122590 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Nguyen; Binh |
May 17, 2012 |
SOCIAL GAMING
Abstract
In one embodiment, a system, apparatus, and method for social
gaming may include a gaming machine configured to play a game of
chance and produce game information. A social gaming server can be
configured to communicate with the gaming machine, may establish a
remote gaming session between the gaming machine and a user device,
and may distribute the portion of the game information to the user
device.
Inventors: |
Nguyen; Binh; (Reno,
NV) |
Family ID: |
46048275 |
Appl. No.: |
13/296182 |
Filed: |
November 14, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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61413477 |
Nov 14, 2010 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
463/42 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/3281 20130101;
G07F 17/3272 20130101; G07F 17/3251 20130101; A63F 13/12 20130101;
A63F 13/335 20140902; A63F 13/80 20140902; G07F 17/3253 20130101;
G07F 17/3269 20130101; G07F 17/3225 20130101; G07F 17/3248
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/42 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Claims
1. A social gaming system, comprising: at least one gaming machine
configured to play a game of chance and produce game information;
and a social gaming server configured to: communicate with the at
least one gaming machine; establish a remote gaming session between
the gaming machine and at least one user device; and distribute at
least a portion of the game information to the at least one user
device.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one user device is
another gaming machine.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one user device is a
computing device.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one user device is a
portable electronic device.
5. The system of claim 1, wherein the social gaming server is
configured to communicate with the at least one user device via a
local casino network.
6. The system of claim 1, further comprising a third party server
configured to: authenticate the at least one user device or a user;
and receive the at least a portion of the game information.
7. The system of claim 1, wherein the said social gaming server is
further configured to: determine a location of the at least one
user device; and determine eligibility of the at least one user
device to receive the game information distribution based on the
location of the at least one user device.
8. A social gaming server, comprising: a social game session
manager configured to: establish a social game session between a
gaming machine and at least one user device; acquire gaming
information from the gaming machine; determine portions of gaming
information to be distributed to the at least one user device; and
initiate transfer of the portions of gaming information to the at
least one user device.
9. The server of claim 8, wherein the initiate transfer sends the
portions of the gaming information to a social networking
server.
10. The server of claim 8, further comprising an authentication
manager configured to authenticate the at least one user device or
a user.
11. The server of claim 8, further comprising a social contacts
manager configured to maintain one or more social contacts.
12. The server of claim 8, further comprising a social game manager
configured to host a social game for use with the social game
session.
13. The server of claim 8, further comprising a location
determination manager configured to determine a location of the at
least one user device.
14. The server of claim 13, further comprising an eligibility
determination manger configured to the determine eligibility of the
at least one user device to receive the gaming information
distribution based on the location of the at least one user
device.
15. The server of claim 8, further comprising a social awards
manager configured to: (a) determine whether a social award has
been earned through playing a game of chance; (b) generate the
social award if the determining (a) determines that a social award
has been earned; (c) determine if the social award is to be
transferred to a remote recipient; and (d) transfer the social
award to the remote recipient if the determining (c) determines
that the social award is to be transferred to a remote
recipient.
16. A method for distributing game information, comprising:
operating a game of chance on a gaming machine to produce game
information; identifying at least one remote user; and distributing
at least a portion of the game information from the game of chance
to the at least one remote user.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein the distributing further
comprises posting the at least a portion of the game information to
a social networking server.
18. The method of claim 16, wherein the distributing further
comprises transmitting a stream of the at least a portion of the
game information to the at least one remote user.
19. The method of claim 16, further comprises receiving an input
from the at least one remote user device.
20. The method of claim 16, further comprises authorizing the at
least one remote user.
21. The method of claim 16, further comprises: generating a social
award earned through playing the game of chance; receiving a user
input to process the social award; and processing the social
award.
22. The method of claim 16, further comprises: determine a location
of the at least one remote user; and determine the eligibility of
the at least one remote user to receive the game information
distribution based on the location of the at least one remote
user.
23. A method for managing social awards, comprising: (a) operating
a game of chance on a gaming machine; (b) determining whether a
social award has been earned through playing the game of chance;
(c) generating the social award if the determining (b) determines
that a social award has been earned; (d) determining if the social
award is to be transferred to at least one remote recipient; and
(e) transferring the social award to the remote recipient if the
determining (d) determines that the social award is to be
transferred to a remote recipient.
24. The method of claim 23, wherein the determining (d) comprises:
(d1) determining whether a user transfer request is received.
25. The method of claim 23, wherein the determining (d) determines
that the social award is to be transferred to the at least one
remote recipient based in part on a user transfer request.
26. The method of claim 23, further comprising: (f) redeeming the
social award for a player of the game of chance if the determining
(d) determines that the social award is not to be transferred to
the at least one remote recipient.
27. The method of claim 23, wherein the determining (d) comprises:
(d1) receiving an at least one remote recipient transfer request
for the social award; and (d2) determining whether a user approval
is received from a player of the game of chance for the at least
one remote recipient transfer request.
28. The method of claim 23, where in the determining (d) further
comprises: determining a location of the at least one remote
player; and determining eligibility of the at least one remote
player to receive the social award based on the location of the at
least one remote player.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/413,477, filed Nov. 14, 2010, and entitled
"Social Gaming," which is hereby incorporated herein by
reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to games of chance. More
particularly, the present invention relates to social game play
when playing games of chance. Even more particularly, the present
invention relates to using gaming machines for social game play
when playing games of chance at a gaming establishment.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Social networks in different forms are becoming
exponentially popular, with most of them being slight variations on
the well-known MySpace.TM. (http://www.myspace.com) or Facebook.TM.
(http://www.facebook.com) models. For example, active membership in
Facebook.TM., a popular social networking site, has greater than
500 million users, and comprises everyone from school children to
grandparents. Such tools are generally used to post information
that can be accessed by other registered users of the system.
Unfortunately, the trend of social networking tools has solidified
the notion of social networks as a web-page only paradigm, a
virtual Rolodex that grows so big that the social network lacks
context, and hence relevance.
[0004] Gaming establishments are constantly looking for different
ways to increase gaming revenue and provide a more satisfying
gaming experience for the player. Social networks may provide a
social aspect for playing games of chance.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0005] A system, apparatus, and method for establishing a social
game between a gaming machine and at least one user are provided.
In one embodiment, a social gaming system may have at least one
gaming machine configured to play a game of chance and produce game
information and a social gaming server configured to: (i)
communicate with the at least one gaming machine; (ii) establish a
remote gaming session between the gaming machine and at least one
user device; and (iii) distribute at least a portion of the game
information to the at least one user device.
[0006] In another embodiment, a social gaming server may have a
social game session manager configured to establish a social game
session between a gaming machine and at least one user device,
acquire gaming information from the gaming machine, determine
portions of gaming information to be distributed to the at least
one user device, and initiate transfer of the portions of gaming
information to the at least one user device.
[0007] In one embodiment, a method for distributing game
information may include operating a game of chance on a gaming
machine to produce game information, identifying at least one
remote user, and distributing at least a portion of the game
information from the game of chance to the at least one remote
user.
[0008] In another embodiment, a method for managing social awards
may include operating a game of chance on a gaming machine,
determining whether a social award has been earned through playing
the game of chance, generating the social award if the determining
determines that a social award has been earned, determining if the
social award is to be transferred to a remote recipient, and
transferring the social award to the remote recipient if the
determining determines that the social award is to be transferred
to a remote recipient.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated into and
constitute a part of this specification, illustrate one or more
example embodiments and, together with the description of example
embodiments, serve to explain the principles and
implementations.
[0010] In the drawings:
[0011] FIG. 1 illustrates an example social gaming system.
[0012] FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate a block diagram of example
embodiments of a social gaming server.
[0013] FIG. 3 illustrates a flow diagram of an example method for
distributing game information.
[0014] FIG. 4 illustrates a flow diagram of an example method for
posting an event to a social networking server.
[0015] FIG. 5 illustrates a flow diagram of an example method for
streaming at least a portion of gaming information to reproduce and
present a game of chance on a display.
[0016] FIG. 6 illustrates a flow diagram of an example method for
selecting a remote user.
[0017] FIG. 7 illustrates a flow diagram of an example method for
playing a game of chance with remote participation.
[0018] FIG. 8 illustrates a flow diagram of an example method for
managing social awards.
[0019] FIG. 9 illustrates a front view of an example gaming
machine.
[0020] FIG. 10 illustrates an example graphical user interface.
[0021] FIGS. 11A and 11B illustrate one embodiment of an example
remote graphical user interface presented on a portable electronic
device.
[0022] FIG. 12 illustrates another embodiment of a graphical user
interface presented on a portable electronic device.
[0023] FIG. 13 illustrates yet another embodiment of an example
graphical user interface presented on a display of a portable
electronic device.
DESCRIPTION
[0024] Embodiments are described herein in the context of social
gaming. The following detailed description is illustrative only and
is not intended to be in any way limiting. Other embodiments will
readily suggest themselves to such skilled persons having the
benefit of this disclosure. Reference will now be made in detail to
implementations as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The
same reference indicators will be used throughout the drawings and
the following description to refer to the same or like parts.
[0025] In the interest of clarity, not all of the routine features
of the implementations described herein are shown and described. It
will, of course, be appreciated that in the development of any such
actual implementation, numerous implementation-specific decisions
must be made in order to achieve the developer's specific goals,
such as compliance with application- and business-related
constraints, and that these specific goals will vary from one
implementation to another and from one developer to another.
Moreover, it will be appreciated that such a development effort
might be complex and time-consuming, but would nevertheless be a
routine undertaking of engineering for those of ordinary skill in
the art having the benefit of this disclosure.
[0026] In accordance with some embodiments, the components, process
steps, and/or data structures may be implemented using various
types of operating systems, computing platforms, computer programs,
and/or general purpose machines. In addition, those of ordinary
skill in the art will recognize that devices of a less general
purpose nature, such as hardwired devices, field programmable gate
arrays (FPGAs), application specific integrated circuits (ASICs),
or the like, may also be used without departing from the scope and
spirit of the inventive concepts disclosed herein.
[0027] A system, apparatus, and method for providing a social game
environment in which players of gaming machines can interact with
other users while playing a game on a gaming machine. The game
played on the gaming machine can be referred to as a social game
(or a social game session) since remote players can assist the
player of the gaming machine in playing the game of chance, an
associated social game component of the game of chance, or a
separate social game (which can be a game of change or a non-game
of chance). In general, the player of the gaming machine can gain
assistance (e.g., participation or interaction) from other players
that are not located at the gaming machine (i.e., remotely located
from the gaming machine). The other players may be eligible to gain
awards, points, or the like by assisting the player of the gaming
machine. The other players can be referred to as at least one
social gaming user.
[0028] FIG. 1 illustrates an example social gaming system. The
social gaming system 100 may include a game server 104, at least
one gaming machine 106a-106n (where n is an integer), a social
gaming server 102, and a third party server 112. The game server
104, the at least one gaming machine 106a-106n, and the social
gaming server 102 may be within a local gaming environment. Example
gaming environments may be a casino, grocery stores, gas stations,
and any other establishment having gaming machines. The gaming
environment can include a physical location for gaming and any
servers, any gaming machines, and any devices connected to a
network 115. For illustrative purposes only, line 116 divides the
local gaming environment network from a non-gaming environment
network. The local gaming environment network is to the left of the
line 116 and the non-gaming environment network is to the right of
the line 116.
[0029] Communication between the game server 104, the at least one
gaming machine 106a-106n, the social gaming server 102, the third
party server 112, the local users 108a-108n, and the remote users
110a-110n may be conducted through network 115 via any combination
of wired networks, wireless communication technology, and cellular
networks. A wired network can use Category 5 cable, Category 6
cable, fiber optic cable, coaxial cable or other cable types
typically used for computer networks. Examples of wireless
communications technology may include, but is not limited to, Wi-Fi
and Bluetooth. Cellular networks may use Code division multiple
access (CDMA), Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), or
any other common mobile network standards to transmit data at
2.sup.nd generation (2G), 3.sup.rd generation (3G), 4.sup.th
generation (4G), or any other data transmission speeds.
[0030] The game server 104 may be any computing hardware typically
used for network servers. The game server 104 may have a memory
configured to store at least one game of chance and a processor
configured to manage the game of chance. The game of chance could
be reel-based slot games, video poker, video blackjack, electronic
table game, lottery games, or any other games of chance. The game
server 104 can be configured to communicate with the at least one
gaming machine 106a-106n and the social gaming server 102.
[0031] The at least one gaming machine 106a-106n can be configured
to play the game of chance, received from the game server 104, and
produce game information. The at least one gaming machine 106a-106n
may be a slot machine, mobile gaming device, electronic gaming
table, electronic blackjack table, electronic roulette table,
kiosk, interactive TV, tablet computer, or the like. In one
embodiment, the at least one gaming machine 106a-106n may have a
main display, a secondary display, a graphical user interface (GUI)
displayed or presented on the main display or the secondary
display, a ticket-in ticket-out (TITO) system, a bill acceptor, and
a player tracking device as further illustrated and discussed in
FIG. 9. A player may initiate a social game session using the GUI.
The at least one gaming machine 106a-106n may be configured to
communicate to other gaming machines and the game server 104.
[0032] The social gaming server 102 may have a processor. The
processor can be any microprocessor, CPU, multi-core processor or
chipset commonly used by network servers for computing. The
processor can be configured to communicate with and manage a
plurality of social gaming managers. The plurality of social gaming
managers may include some or all of the following: a social game
session manager, an authentication manager, a social contacts
manager, a local social game manager, and a social awards manager
as further illustrated and discussed with reference to FIGS. 2A and
2B.
[0033] The third party server 112 may be configured to store and
manage non-gaming social games. The third party server 112 may
authorize a third party remote user 114a-114n or a user device of
the third party remote user 114a-114n and connect the third party
remote user 114a-114n to the social gaming server 102 to
participate in a social gaming. In one embodiment, the third party
server can be any social networking server (e.g. Facebook.TM.,
MySpace.TM., LinkedIn.TM., Twitter.TM., and the like) and may
receive at least a portion of the game information.
[0034] In one embodiment, at least one social gaming user can be a
remote user 110a-110n. The remote user 110a-110n may be located in
a geographical location that is physically separated from or away
from the at least one gaming machine 106a-106n and/or the gaming
environment. For example, the remote user 110a-110n may be at home
and utilize a laptop computer configured to communicate directly
with the social gaming server 102 through network 115.
[0035] In another embodiment, the at least one social gaming user
can be a local user 108a-108n. The local user 108a-108n may be
location within or on the premises of the gaming environment. For
example, the local user 108a-108n may be located in a restaurant in
the gaming environment and can participate in the social game
session using a smart phone configured to communicate with the
social gaming sever 102. In another example, the local user
108a-108n may be playing on another gaming machine 106a-106n while
participating in a social game.
[0036] In yet another embodiment, the at least one social gaming
user may be a third party remote user 114a-114n. The third party
remote user 114a-114n may participate in a social game session via
third party server 112. Third party server 112 may then be
configured to communicate with the social gaming server 102 via
network 115 and be configured to facilitate communication between
the third party remote user 114a-114n and the social gaming server
102.
[0037] The at least one social gaming user may participant in a
social game session using a user device. In one embodiment, the
user device can be a computing device such as, but not limited to,
a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a tablet computer, or a
netbook computer. In another embodiment, the user device may be a
portable electronic device such as a cell phone, a smart phone, a
portable media player, a portable gaming device, a personal digital
assistant or the like. In yet another embodiment, the user device
may be another gaming machine.
[0038] FIG. 2A is a block diagram of one embodiment of a social
gaming server. The social gaming server 200 may be similar to
gaming server 102 illustrated in FIG. 1. The social gaming server
200 may have a processor 202 configured to control the operations
of the social gaming server 200. In one embodiment, processor 202
may communicate with and manage at least one social gaming manager
240. The at least one social gaming manager 240 may include one or
more of the following: a social game session manager 204, an
authentication manager 206, and a social contacts manager 208.
[0039] The social game session manager 204 may be configured to
manage a social game session established between a gaming machine
and at least one user device via the social gaming server 200. The
social game session can enable the social gaming user of the at
least one user device to receive current or real-time and/or past
game information about a game of chance. The social game session
may also enable the social gaming user of the at least one user
device to remotely participate in or interact with the game of
chance.
[0040] Social gaming server 200 may be configured to acquire gaming
information from a gaming machine, such as gaming machines
106a-106n illustrated in FIG. 1. The gaming information can be
generated by the gaming machine and/or the game server (such as
game server 104 illustrated in FIG. 1) as the player plays the game
of chance on the gaming machine. As the gaming information is
generated, the gaming information can be simultaneously transmitted
to and acquired by the social game server 200. The gaming
information may then be stored, processed, and managed by the game
session manager 204. The gaming information can include any game
information generated from playing the game of chance such that the
social game session manager 204 can reproduce the game of chance on
a display of a user device. For example, the gaming information may
include, but is not limited to, number of credits, total amount of
time spent playing the gaming of chance at the gaming machine,
notification of a win, loss, tie, push, and the like, amount won or
lost, wager amount, award earned, notification of a remote input,
pay table, and the like. The game information may also be specific
to a type of the game of chance being played. For example, if the
game of chance is an electronic card game, such as video poker or
video blackjack, the game information can include, but is not
limited to, cards held by the player, communal cards, and actions
taken by the player such as hitting or drawing for new cards. If
the game of chance is a slot game, the game information can
include, but is not limited to, contents of the reels, lines being
played, notification of lines won, and images on the reels.
[0041] The social game session manager 204 can be configured to
determine at least a portion of game information to be distributed
to the at least one user device. In one embodiment, the social game
session manager 204 can determine the at least a portion of the
game information to be distributed based upon a plurality of user
preferences. The plurality of user preferences may be any
configuration desired by a user that may be stored on the social
gaming server 200, the social game session manager 204, or any
other memory device or server device. The plurality of user
preferences may be any specific preferences desired such as, the
type of gaming information the user would like to see and when. For
example, Bob may only want to know when Tom has earned a non-gaming
award when playing a game on the gaming machine. When Tom earns a
non-gaming award while playing the gamine of chance, the social
game server 200 may transmit the gaming information about the
non-gaming aware to Bob. However, the social game server 200 may
not transmit the fact that Tom also won $100.00.
[0042] In another example, the social game session manager 204 may
be configured to determine which gaming information is considered
to be "significant". The significant event could be, for example,
winning a jackpot, the player cashed out of the gaming machine,
hitting a royal flush, entering a bonus game, and the like. In
another example, the social game session manager 204 may determine
to transmit all the gaming information.
[0043] In one embodiment, the gaming information may be transmitted
from the social gaming server 200 to the users via any known
methods, such as streaming the gaming information.
[0044] The authentication manager 206 may be configured to
authenticate a user. In one embodiment, the authentication manager
206 may authenticate the user by confirming validity of a password,
biometric identifier, personal identification number(s), or the
like. Following authentication, the authentication manager 206 may
signal the social game session manager 204 to establish the social
game session between the gaming machine and the user device of the
user. In another embodiment, a third party server, such as third
party server 112 illustrated in FIG. 1, may authenticate the user
by confirming validity of a password, biometric identifier,
personal identification number(s), or the like. The third party
server may then transmit an approved or disapproved notification to
the social gaming sever 200.
[0045] If the user is authenticated, the authentication manager 206
may transmit an approval notification to the social game session
manager 204. The social game session manager 204 may then establish
a social game between the gaming machine and a user device of at
least one social gaming user.
[0046] In one embodiment, the authentication manager 206 may be
configured to authenticate the user device based upon an
identifier, such as a MAC address, confirming validity of a key
file (which may or may not be encrypted) stored on the user device,
hashing and comparing contents of the key file to a record
maintained by the authentication manager 206, or any other commonly
used methods of verifying the validity of a data file. In yet
another embodiment, the authentication manager 206 may authenticate
the user device using a unique address, such as a short code or a
web link.
[0047] The social contacts manager 208 may be configured to store
and/or manage one or more social contacts for a player playing the
game of chance on a gaming machine. In one embodiment, the one or
more social contacts may be stored in a contacts database 210. In
another embodiment, the one or more social contacts may be stored
on a third party server, such as third party server 112 illustrated
in FIG. 1. For example, the third party server may be a social
networking server configured to store, manage, and associate
contacts with the player playing the game of chance on the gaming
machine. The social contacts manager may be configured to add
contacts, delete contacts, search for contacts, block contacts, and
other similar administrative functions as desired by the user. The
social contacts manager 208 may be configured to populate a social
contact list presented on a GUI of the gaming machine or user
device.
[0048] The social game server 200 may optionally have a local
social game manager 212. The local social game manager 212 may be
configured to manage non-gaming social games. Non-gaming social
games may be any type or kind of game that is not a game of chance
utilizing a random number generator and/or any type of game where
prizes are not monetary. For example, a non-gaming social game may
be a "Hotel Management" simulation game, where different players
can build and run a hotel.
[0049] FIG. 2B illustrates a block diagram of another embodiment of
a social gaming server. The social gaming server 250 may be similar
to the social gaming server 200 illustrated in FIG. 2A, except that
the at least one social gaming manager 242 may include a social
awards manager 214. The social awards manager 214 may be configured
to determine whether an award has been triggered or earned in a
game of chance and the type of award won. The triggering event and
the type of award won may be based on the type and theme of game
played. For example, an award may be triggered for winning a
particular round of the game of chance, winning a certain number of
times over a predetermined period of time, winning a certain amount
of credits in a particular round of the game of chance, winning a
certain monetary amount, obtaining a royal flush, and the like.
[0050] In another embodiment, an award triggering event may be a
loss. For example, an award may be triggered by losing a particular
round of the game of chance, losing a certain number of times over
a predetermined period of time, losing a certain amount of credits
in a particular round of the game of chance, losing a certain total
monetary amount, or the like.
[0051] In yet another embodiment, an award may be triggered by
achieving or obtaining a particular outcome. For example, in a slot
game, an award triggering event may be obtaining six cherry symbols
on a plurality of reels without winning a payline. In another
example, in a video poker game of chance, an award may be triggered
by obtaining a pair of queens in five consecutive hands.
[0052] The social awards manager 214 can be configured to generate
the award if an award triggering event has occurred. The award can
be any type of gaming or non-gaming award and may be based on the
type and theme of game. A gaming award may be, for example, a
monetary award, at least one free spin, a multiplier, earning a
plurality of points, triggering a bonus event, and the like. A
non-gaming award can be, for example, a digital enhancement for the
social gaming user interface on the user device and/or on the
gaming machine. The digital enhancement can be a wallpaper, a
background, a song, new avatar, a picture, any type of other visual
and/or auditory aesthetic prizes, movie tickets, food coupons, and
the like. The non-gaming award may also be a virtual good. The
virtual good can be used in a non-gaming social game hosted by a
third party server or the local social game manager 212 of the
social gaming server 250. The social awards manager 214 may store
the gaming awards in an awards database 216 and the non-gaming
awards in a non-gaming awards database 218.
[0053] The social awards manager 214 can be configured to determine
if the award is to be transferred to a remote recipient. In one
embodiment, the social awards manager 214 can determine if the
award is to be transferred if the social awards manager 214
receives a user transfer request to transfer the award to another
player. The user transfer request can be made by the user currently
in possession of the award. In another embodiment, the social
awards manager 214 may receive a remote transfer request for the
award by a social gaming user not in possession of the award. The
social awards manager 214 may transmit the request to the user
currently in possession of the award and await approval of the
transfer request from the user currently in possession of the
award. If the social awards manager 214 receives an approval for
the transfer request, the social awards manager 214 may transfer
the award to the social gaming user. The social awards manager 214
can be configured to modify ownership of the award entry in either
the awards database 216 or the non-gaming awards database 218. If a
denial for the transfer request is received by the social awards
manager 214, then the social awards manager 214 determines not to
transfer the award.
[0054] FIG. 3 illustrates a flow diagram of an example method for
distributing game information. A method for distributing at least a
portion of game information 300 may be performed by a social gaming
server such as social gaming server 102 illustrated in FIG. 1,
social gaming server 200 illustrated in FIG. 2A, or social gaming
server 250 illustrated in FIG. 2B. The gaming information may
originate from a gaming machine located within a gaming
environment, from a game server such as game server 104 illustrated
in FIG. 1, or any other gaming server or machine.
[0055] The method of distributing at least a portion of game
information 300 can begin by identifying at least one social gaming
user at 302. In one embodiment, the social gaming server may
identify the at least one social gaming user based upon player
input received from a player playing a game of chance. Input can be
performed on a gaming machine such as a portable or mobile gaming
device, electronic gaming table, electronic blackjack table,
electronic roulette table, kiosk, interactive television, tablet
computer, or the like. For example, the player playing a game of
chance may select at least one social gaming user from a social
contact list as, for example, illustrated in FIGS. 10-13. In
another example, the player may input information about the at
least one social gaming user for storage in a contacts database (as
illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B). The player input may consist of a
name, a username, an alias, an email address, a phone number, an
account number, an IP address or other similar information specific
to a particular individual. The player input may then be
transmitted to the social gaming server.
[0056] Once player input is received by the social gaming server,
the social gaming server may, in one example, identify the at least
one social gaming user from the selection by comparing the input to
a list of contacts stored in the contacts database. In another
embodiment, the input may be compared with a list of contacts in a
third party server. The user input may be transmitted to the third
party server which may compare the input with a list of contacts
stored at the third party server.
[0057] A game of chance may be played on a gaming machine at 303.
Game information may be generated for the game of chance at 305 as
the player plays the game of chance. In one embodiment, game
information may be generated from the gaming machine. In another
embodiment, game information may be generated from a game server
(as illustrated in FIG. 1). For example, the gaming information may
include, but is not limited to, number of credits, total amount of
time spent playing the gaming of chance at the gaming machine,
notification of a win, loss, tie, push, and the like, amount won or
lost, wager amount, award earned, notification of a remote input,
pay table, and the like. The game information may also be specific
to a type of the game of chance being played. For example, if the
game of chance is an electronic card game, such as video poker or
video blackjack, the game information can include, but is not
limited to, cards held by the player, communal cards, and actions
taken by the player such as hitting or drawing for new cards. If
the game of chance is a slot game, the game information can
include, but is not limited to, contents of the reels, lines being
played, notification of lines won, and images on the reels.
[0058] As the game information is generated, the game information
can be simultaneously transmitted to and acquired by the social
game server (as illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2A, and 2B) for
distribution to at least one social gaming user at 304. At least a
portion of the gaming information may be distributed by any known
method. In one example, at least a portion of the gaming
information may be posted to the at least one social gaming user.
The social game session manager may transfer the game information
to a third party sever (as illustrated in FIG. 1). The third party
server may be, for example, any known social gaming server or any
other server accessible over a network. The third party server can
post the gaming information to a webpage, a feed, a notification
board, or the like. The at least one social gaming user can
retrieve the game information from the webpage, the feed, the
notification board, or the like.
[0059] In another embodiment, the at least a portion of the gaming
information may be electronically transmitted to the at least one
social gaming user via electronic mail. In yet another embodiment,
the at least a portion of the gaming information may be streamed.
Streaming results may result in a real time reproduction display of
the game of chance. As action occurs in the game of chance, the
real time reproduction display will mirror the display of the
gaming machine. The streaming can be supplemented by any
combination of textual, audio, or visual information.
[0060] A determination of whether the game of chance has ended is
made at 306. The game of chance may end if the player decides to
stop playing the game of chance. The game of chance also may end if
no credits for playing the game of chance are left. If the game of
chance has not ended, the at least a portion of the gaming
information may continue to be distributed to the at least one
social gaming user at 304.
[0061] FIG. 4 illustrates a flow diagram of an example method for
posting an event to a social networking server. A method for
posting an event to a social networking server 400 can be performed
by a social gaming server (as illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B). The
method 400 may begin by monitoring a game of chance for an event at
402. In one embodiment, the monitoring may be performed by a social
game session manager (as illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B) of the
social gaming server. For example, as a player plays the game of
chance, game information from the game of chance may be transmitted
from a gaming machine to the social game session manager of the
social gaming server. In another embodiment the gaming machine can
transmit the game information to the game server. The game server
can then transfer the game information to the social game session
manager of the social gaming server. Upon receipt of the game
information, the social game session manager may parse the game
information for events. The event may be a win, a loss, an earned
award, the player switching to a different game of chance, the
player cashing out, the player placing a large wager, the player
performing a game action such as spinning reels or doubling down,
or any other activity that may occur while playing a game of
chance.
[0062] If the event is "significant" at 404 the significant event
may be posted or transmitted to a social networking server at 406.
In one embodiment, the significant event could be, for example,
winning a jackpot, the player cashed out of the gaming machine,
hitting a royal flush, entering a bonus game, and the like. In
another embodiment, the significance of the event can be determined
by the player of the game of chance or at least one social gaming
user. For example, the player or social gaming user may select
specific events from a significant event list as what he or she
considers to be significant.
[0063] The social networking server may be the social gaming
server, a third party server, or any other server. The social
networking server can post the information to a webpage, a feed, a
notification board, or the like. The at least one social gaming
user can then retrieve the information from the webpage, the feed,
the notification board, or the like.
[0064] If the event is not significant at 404 or the event has been
posted to the social networking server at 406, a determination of
whether the game of chance has ended is made at 408. In one
embodiment, the game of chance may end if the player decides to
stop playing the game of chance. The game of chance also may end if
there are no more credits to play the game of chance.
[0065] FIG. 5 illustrates a flow diagram of an example method for
streaming at least a portion of gaming information to reproduce and
present a game of chance on a display. The method 500 may be
performed by the social gaming server (as illustrated in FIGS. 1,
2A, and 2B). A streaming of the game of chance may be initiated at
502. In one embodiment, the social gaming server may generate the
gaming information for a game of chance. Once generated, the gaming
information may be streamed to reproduce the game of chance on a
display of a user device. In one embodiment, the stream may be
initiated when a player begins to play the game of chance. The game
of chance may be played on any type of gaming machine, portable or
mobile gaming device, electronic gaming table, electronic blackjack
table, electronic roulette table, kiosk, interactive TV, tablet
computer, or the like. In another embodiment, the streaming of the
game of chance may be initiated following receipt of an input by
the player playing the game of chance to begin streaming. For
example, the player may initiate the streaming of the game of
chance by selecting a streaming option on the GUI.
[0066] The streaming of the gaming information may result in a real
time reproduction of the game of chance on a display of a user
device. As activity occurs as the player plays the game of chance,
gaming information is generated whereby at least a portion of the
game information may be streamed to a user device of at least one
social gaming user. When the at least a portion of the gaming
information is streamed to the at least one social gaming user,
everything presented on the gaming machine may be reproduced and
instantiated on a display of a user device of the at least one
social gaming user.
[0067] In one embodiment, the at least a portion of the gaming
information may be transmitted via a video feed. A camera
positioned on the gaming machine may capture the activity of the
game of chance in the video feed. The video feed can be encoded and
prepared for streaming using any codec or technology commonly used
to stream video over a network such as, but not limited to, Flash
video and HTML 5. In another embodiment, the at least a portion of
the gaming information may be transmitted via a digitally animated
recreation of the game of chance. The streaming of the at least a
portion of the gaming information may include any combination of
textual, audio, or visual information.
[0068] At least one remote user may be authorized to access the
stream at 504. The at least one remote user may be a social contact
associated with the player playing the game of chance. In one
embodiment, the at least one remote user may be stored in a
contacts database maintained by a social contacts manager of the
social gaming server (as illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B). The
social gaming server may verify or authenticate the at least one
remote user by comparing the at least one remote user to a list of
social contacts in the contacts database.
[0069] In another example, the at least one remote user may be
compared to a list of contact stored in a third party server. For
example, the third party server can be any social networking server
that manages contacts. The social gaming server can transmit a
verification request to the third party server. A confirmation or
non-confirmation may be transmitted to the social networking server
from the third party server. Upon receipt of a confirmation or
verification from the third party server, the social gaming server
may authorize the at least one remote server to access the stream
at 504.
[0070] In another embodiment, the at least one remote user need not
be a social contact and may be authorized to access the stream via
an identifier. The identifier can be a password, personal
identification number (PIN), code, key file, or other similar form
of identification or identifier. For example, if remote player A is
sitting next to player B paying a game of chance and player A would
like to view Player B's game, Player A may transmit a request to
view Player B's game of chance to the social gaming server. The
social gaming server can transmit a request for identification to
the at least one remote user via electronic mail, text message,
phone call, or any other identification and/or verification
methods. For example, the social gaming server may transmit a
request for Player B's player tracking number and PIN. Player B may
input and transmit the information to the social gaming server. The
social gaming server may then compare and/or verify Player B's
information with information stored in the social gaming server,
player tracking server, or any other server or database.
[0071] In still another embodiment, the identifier can also be a
unique shortcode address or a unique URL. The unique shortcode
address or the unique URL may be generated by the social gaming
server. The social gaming server can transmit the unique shortcode
address or the unique URL to a phone number, an email address, or
the like, provided by the player. Upon receipt of the identifier,
the at least one remote user may access the stream of the game of
chance using the identifier. In other words, at least a portion of
the gaming information may be streamed to a user device of the at
least one remote user when the at least one remote user accesses
the identifier.
[0072] FIG. 6 illustrates a flow diagram of an example method for
selecting a remote user. The method 600 can be performed by the
social gaming server (as illustrated in FIGS. 1-2) or any other
server. An input for a selection of a remote user may be received
at 600. The remote user may be any social gaming user as described
above such as the local user, remote user, or third party user as
illustrated in FIG. 1. The remote user may be selected to
participate or interact in a game of chance.
[0073] The input for a selection of a remote user may be made from
a social contact list (illustrated in FIGS. 10-13) presented or
displayed on a GUI of the gaming machine. The gaming machine can
transmit the input to the social gaming server, game server, or any
other server. In another embodiment, the input may be a username,
an alias, an email address, a phone number, or some other
identifier that identifies the remote user.
[0074] Once the input for a selection of a remote user is received
at 602, input by a user device of the remote user may be enabled at
604. Enabling the input may allow the remote user to participate,
interact, and/or observe the game of chance. The input may be based
on the type and theme of game. For example, by enabling input from
the user device, the remote user may participate by spinning a
bonus spin in a social gaming session. In another example, enabling
input from the user device may allow the remote user to "hit",
"double down", or "stay" in a blackjack social gaming session.
[0075] A determination is then made as to whether input is received
from the remote user within a predetermined period of time at 606.
The predetermined period of time may be set by the social gaming
server, the player, or any other device or person. If input from
the remote user is received within a predetermined period of time
at 606, the input may be implemented at the gaming machine at 608.
For example, if the remote user participates by spinning a bonus
spin, the reels may be presented as spinning on the gaming machine.
In another example, if the input received from the remote user is a
"hit" for a video blackjack game of chance, the player may receive
another card in the video blackjack game. In another example, if
the game of chance is video poker, the input received from the
remote user may be to draw at least one card. Thus, an additional
card may be provided and displayed on the gaming machine.
[0076] If no input is received from the remote user at 606, the
player may be notified that no input was received at 610, the input
may be disabled at 612, and a determination may be made as to
whether a new remote user selection was received at 614. In one
embodiment, the player can receive a notification, such as an
alert, a popup, a message, or any other form of notification, on a
GUI of the gaming machine. In another embodiment the notification
may occur on a user device of the player such as a text message.
The notification may contain any combination of text, graphics,
symbols, or indicia to notify the player that no input was received
from the remote user. If a new remote user selection was received
at 614, input for the user device of the remote user may be enabled
at 604.
[0077] FIG. 7 illustrates a flow diagram of an example method for
playing a game of chance with remote participation. A game of
chance may be played on, for example, a gaming machine. The gaming
machine may be a slot machine, mobile gaming device, electronic
gaming table, electronic blackjack table, electronic roulette
table, kiosk, interactive television, tablet computer, or the like.
The method 700 may begin with a determination of whether a remote
input or participation for a game of chance should be enabled at
702. In one embodiment, the gaming machine may enable the remote
input by prompting the player to enable the remote input using the
GUI. The gaming machine may then await for confirmation of the
remote input from a remote user or at least one social gaming user.
In another embodiment, the gaming machine may not have to prompt
the user. The gaming machine can enable the remote input upon
receipt of a remote input enablement request from the player
without the user being prompted.
[0078] If it is determined the remote input should be enabled 702,
the remote input can be configured at 704. The configuring may
customize what remote input is available and tailor the remote
input to a type of the game of chance. For example, if the game of
chance is video blackjack, the remote input may be configured to
limit the remote input to a blackjack action such as hit, stand,
double down, split, or other actions associated with a game of
blackjack. Configuring the remote input may also initiate a
steaming of the gaming information to a user device as discussed
above with reference to FIG. 5.
[0079] The player may play the game of chance on a gaming machine
at 706. As the player plays the game a chance, a determination may
be made as to whether a request for remote input for the game of
chance be made at 710. In other words, as the player plays the game
of chance, events may occur whereby the player would like
participation or help from at least one social gaming user. In one
embodiment, the player may request that a social gaming user assist
or participate in playing the game of chance. In another
embodiment, the gaming machine may prompt and ask the player
whether he or she would like to allow others to assist in playing
the game of chance. The gaming machine can offer the player the
option to request the remote input for every gaming action, for a
random gaming action, or for a predetermined gaming action. The
player can accept or deny the remote input request prompt.
[0080] If it is determined that the remote input for the game of
chance is requested at 710, a remote user may be selected at 712 to
participate in the game of chance. In one embodiment, the remote
user may be at least one social gaming user stored in a contacts
database (as illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B). The player can make a
selection of the remote user in a social contact list presented on
a GUI (as illustrated in FIGS. 10-13). In another embodiment, the
player can select the remote user by entering a username, an alias,
an email address, a phone number, or some other identifier that
identifies the remote user.
[0081] A remote input request may then be transmitted to the remote
user at 714. The remote user may receive the remote input request
on a user device such as a computing device, a portable electronic
device, or another gaming machine. The remote user may then deny or
accept the remote input request.
[0082] If remote input from the remote user is received within a
predetermined period of time at 716, the remote input may be
processed and used to play the game of chance at 718. In one
embodiment, the remote input may be an acceptance of the remote
input request transmitted at 714. In another embodiment, the remote
input may be an action to play the game of chance.
[0083] For example, if the game of chance is a slot game, the
remote input requested may be to initiate a free spin. In another
example, if the game of chance is video blackjack, the remote input
requested can be to hit, stay, or double down. The remote input may
be any input to advance the game of chance.
[0084] If no input from the remote user is received within a
predetermined period of time at 716, another determination may be
made as to whether the player would like to request remote input
for the game of chance at 710.
[0085] A determination may be made as to whether playing the game
of chance is to continue at 720. The game of chance may continue if
the player makes another wager, if the player won a bonus game, if
additional bonus awards were won, and the like. Another
determination of whether the remote input is enabled is made at
724.
[0086] FIG. 8 illustrates a flow diagram of an example method for
managing social awards. The method 800 may begin by initiating a
game at 802. In one embodiment the game is a game of chance. The
game of chance can be any type of primary game of chance such as
reel-based slot games, video poker, video blackjack, lottery games,
electronic table games, or any other games of chance. The game of
chance may be initiated on a gaming machine following receipt of a
wager from a player. In another embodiment, the game is a
non-gaming social game. The non-gaming social game may be hosted by
a third party server, a local social game manager of a social
gaming server (as illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B), or any other
server capable of hosting and managing a non-gaming social game.
The non-gaming social game may initiated upon accessing or logging
into the third party server, a local social game manager, or any
other server capable of hosting and managing a non-gaming social
game.
[0087] Once initiated, a determination is made as to whether a
social award is earned at 804. A social award may be earned by any
known award triggering events based on the type or theme of game.
For example, an award may be triggered for winning a particular
game session, winning a certain number of times over a
predetermined period of time, winning a certain amount of credits
in a particular round of the game, winning a certain monetary
amount, achieving a certain game pattern, achieving a free bonus
round, winning a certain total monetary amount, obtaining a royal
flush, or the like.
[0088] In another embodiment, an award triggering event may be a
loss. For example, an award may be triggered by losing a particular
round of the game of chance, losing a certain number of times over
a predetermined period of time, losing a certain amount of credits
in a particular round of the game of chance, losing a certain total
monetary amount, or the like.
[0089] In yet another embodiment, an award may be triggered by
achieving or obtaining a particular outcome. For example, in a slot
game, an award triggering event may be obtaining six cherry symbols
on a plurality of reels without winning a pay line. In another
example, in a video poker game of chance, an award may be triggered
by obtaining a pair of queens in five consecutive hands.
[0090] If a social award is earned at 804, the social award may be
generated at 806. In one embodiment, a social awards manager (as
illustrated in 2B) may be configured to generate the type of social
award won. The award can be any type of gaming or non-gaming award.
A gaming award may be, for example, a monetary award, at least one
free spin, a multiplier, earning a plurality of points, triggering
a bonus event, and the like. A non-gaming award can be, for
example, a digital enhancement for the social gaming user interface
on the user device and/or on the gaming machine. The digital
enhancement can be a wallpaper, a background, a song, new avatar, a
picture, any type of other visual and/or auditory aesthetic prizes,
movie tickets, food coupons, and the like. The non-gaming award may
also be a virtual good. The virtual good can be used in a
non-gaming social game hosted by a third party server or the local
social game manager of the social gaming server. The social awards
manager may store the gaming awards in an awards database and the
non-gaming awards in a non-gaming awards database.
[0091] A determination may be made to save the social award at 808,
transfer the social award at 812, or redeem the social award at
816. If the player would like to save and keep the social award,
the social award may be saved at 810. In one embodiment, the social
award may be saved in an awards database or non-gaming awards
database (as illustrated in FIG. 2B) based upon the type of award.
In another embodiment, the social award may be saved in a third
party server (as illustrated in FIG. 1). When saved, the social
award may be associated with the player.
[0092] If the social award is not saved at 808, the social award
may be transferred at 812. In one embodiment, the social awards
manager can be configured to determine if the award is to be
transferred to a remote recipient. In one embodiment, the social
awards manager can determine if the award is to be transferred if
the social awards manager receives a user transfer request to
transfer the award to another player. The user transfer request can
be made by the user currently in possession of the award. In
another embodiment, the social awards manager may receive a remote
transfer request for the award by a social gaming user not in
possession of the award. The social awards manager may transmit the
request to the user currently in possession of the award and await
approval of the transfer request from the user currently in
possession of the award. If the social awards manager receives an
approval for the transfer request, the social awards manager may
transfer the award to the social gaming user at 814. The social
awards manager can be configured to modify ownership of the award
entry in either the awards database or the non-gaming awards
database. If a denial for the transfer request is received by the
social awards manager, then the social awards manager determines
not to transfer the award at 812.
[0093] When the social award is not transferred at 812, a
determination is made whether to redeem the social award at 816. In
one embodiment, the social awards manager can be configured to
determine if the award is to be redeemed. For example, the player
or at least one social gaming user may be prompted to redeem the
social award or not. The player or at least one social gaming user
may then deny or accept the prompt. If an acceptance to redeem the
social gaming award is received at 816, the social award may be
redeemed at 818. If a denial to redeem the social gaming award is
received at 816, the determination as to whether to save the social
award at 808 may be repeated.
[0094] Once the social award is redeemed at 818, a determination as
to whether to end the game may be made at 820. The game may end if
the player decides to stop playing the game, no credits remain, the
game ends, or the like.
[0095] FIG. 9 illustrates a front view of an example gaming
machine. Although the example gaming machine is illustrated as a
slot machine, this is not intended to be limiting as the gaming
machine may be a slot machine, mobile gaming device, electronic
gaming table, electronic blackjack table, electronic roulette
table, kiosk, interactive television, tablet computer, or the like.
A gaming machine 900 may have a main display 908. The main display
908 may display any type of primary game of chance upon receipt of
a wager from a player. For example, the main display 908 may
display reel-based slot games, video poker, video blackjack,
lottery games, or any other games of chance. In one embodiment, the
main display 908 may display other types of text and graphics,
including videos, pay tables, advertisements, secondary games,
bonus games, player tracking information, announcements, or any
other type of text and graphic.
[0096] The gaming machine 900 may have a player interface to play
the primary game of chance and interact with the social gaming
interface. In one embodiment, the player interface may include any
type of actuating device such as buttons 912 or a lever 910. In
another embodiment, the main display 908 may be the player
interface. For example, the player interface may be a touch screen
display configured to present a GUI and receive an input from the
player. The player interface may be any type of input mechanism
capable of allowing a player to select options, play the primary
game of chance, play a bonus game, or enter any other player input.
For example, pushing a button 912 or pulling a lever 910 may prompt
the gaming machine 900 to begin a spin of a reel in a slot game to
play a primary game of chance. In another example, a player may use
the touch screen display to enter player account information. In
yet another example, a player can use the touch screen display to
select a social contact to remotely participate in a game of
chance. The gaming machine 900 may also have speakers 906, lights,
or other output devices.
[0097] The gaming machine 900 may also have a TITO (Ticket In,
Ticket Out) system. TITO uses tickets encoded with monetary
amounts, which can be converted into credits to be played in the
gaming machine 900 when inserted into the gaming machine 900. The
gaming machine 900 may have a bill acceptor 918 configured to
receive the tickets. The gaming machine 900 may also have a ticket
printer 914 configured to print out similar tickets encoded with
the amount of credits remaining on the gaming machine 900 when the
player desires to no longer play the gaming machine 900 and cash
out.
[0098] The bill acceptor 918 may also be configured to receive
currency, for example paper bills. The gaming machine 900 may also
have a mechanism to accept currency in other forms such as coins,
vouchers, smart cards, electronic funds, and the like. The currency
can then be converted into credits to be played on the gaming
machine 900. The gaming machine 900 may have a credit dispenser 920
where the credits on the gaming machine 900 can be cashed out when
the player desires to no longer play the gaming machine 900.
[0099] The gaming machine 900 may have a player tracking device 916
configured to receive a player loyalty card. Casinos may issue
players a player loyalty card for player tracking and rewarding
purposes. The player loyalty card may be associated with a player
account. Player account data may be stored on a network server
(e.g. a player tracking server), which may be on a network database
server configured to communicate with the gaming machines in the
casino. The network may be a client-server network, a peer-to-peer
network, a wired or wireless network, a wide area network (WAN), a
local area network (LAN), or any other type of network. The player
may insert his or her player loyalty card into the player tracking
device 916 to log into the player's account. Data about the
player's play, such as outcomes, bet amounts, time played, or any
other type of information, may be saved over the network to a
non-volatile memory at a player tracking server or any other
network server. The player's account may be also be used to
associate the player with the at least one social gaming user,
social awards, and any other data or information.
[0100] The gaming machine 900 can have a secondary display 904. The
secondary display 904 may also display other text and graphics,
including videos, pay tables, advertisements, secondary games,
bonus games, player tracking information, announcements, or any
other type of text and graphic. The secondary display 904 can
potentially display any type of game of chance such as reel-based
slot games, video poker, video blackjack, lottery games, secondary
games of chance or any other type of known games of chance. The
secondary display 904 can be a liquid crystal display screen,
cathode ray tube monitor, projection, organic light-emitting diode
screen or any other type of display device.
[0101] FIG. 10 illustrates an example graphical user interface. The
GUI 1000 may be presented on any display of a gaming machine, such
as a main display or a secondary display of a slot machine (as
illustrated in FIG. 9), display of a mobile gaming device, or the
like. The GUI 1000 may include a game of chance window 1006, a game
of chance information window 1004, a social contact list 1002, a
social gaming communications window 1022, and a social gaming log
1028. The social gaming interface 1000 may visualize a social game
session for a player and provide the player with information
regarding the social game session, a game of chance, and a
plurality of social contacts. The player can interact with the
social gaming interface 1000 using a player interface of the gaming
machine. In one embodiment, the player interface can be at least
one button, a keyboard, or any similar input mechanism. In another
embodiment, the player interface may be a touch screen display
configured to receive input from the player.
[0102] The game of chance window 1006 can display any type of game
of chance upon receipt of a wager from the player. For example, the
game of chance window 1006 may display reel-based slot games, video
poker, video blackjack, lottery games, electronic table games, or
any other types or themes of games of chance. The game of chance
information window 1004 can display information related to the game
of chance. The information displayed in the game of chance
information window 1004 can include a wager amount 1050, total
credits 1054, pay lines 1052, or any other gamin information. In
one embodiment, the game of chance information window 1004 may be a
standalone window as illustrated in FIG. 10. In another embodiment,
the game of chance information window 1004 can be integrated into
the game of chance window 1006.
[0103] The social contact list 1002 can display and provide the
player access to a plurality of social contacts. In other words,
the social contact list 1002 may provide a list of at least one
social gaming user associated with the player. The listing of at
least one social gaming user may be obtained from, for example, the
social contacts manager (illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B), a third
party server (illustrated in FIG. 1), or any or server or database
used to store a contact list.
[0104] The social contact list 1002 may include a plurality of
controls configured to manipulate the social contact list 1002. In
one embodiment, the plurality of controls can be a sort button 1016
and a search button 1018. In another embodiment, the actuation of
the sort button 1016 may order the plurality of social contacts.
For example, pressing the sort button 1016 can sort the plurality
of social contacts alphabetically, by type, by groups, by player
preferences, availability, or the like. The search button 1018 may
allow the player to search for a particular social gaming user
using any known searching methods. Although FIG. 10 is illustrated
only with the sort button 1016 and the search button 1018, this is
not intended to be limiting as the social contact list 1002 may
have other controls such as a joystick, speaker and microphone for
audio interaction, and the like.
[0105] The plurality of social contacts can be represented by
alpha-numeric text such as, but not limited to, name 1010a, email
address 1010b, phone number 1010c, or an alias 1010d. Although the
plurality of social contacts are illustrated in FIG. 10 as being
represented by alpha-numeric text, this is not intended to be
limiting as the plurality of social contacts in the social contact
list 1002 may also be represented by pictures, icons, unique
identifier, or other indicia. Each of the plurality of social
contacts can be associated with a social contact status indicator
1008. Although the social contact status indicators 1008a-n are
illustrated as black and white geometric shapes, this is for
illustrative purposes only and not intended to be limiting. For
example, hashed lines, different colors, different shapes, and the
like may be presented. In one embodiment, a filled-in circular
indicator 1008a can represent a particular social contact is active
in the social game session hosted by the player. In another
embodiment, an empty circular indicator 1008b may represent a
particular social contact has connected to a social gaming system,
but is not active in the social game session hosted by the player.
In yet another embodiment, an empty square indicator 1008c can
represent a particular social contact has not connected to the
social gaming system and is not active in the social game session
hosted by the player.
[0106] The social contact list 1002 may include a plurality of
social contact options. The plurality of social contact options may
be configured to allow the player to perform a variety of social
gaming actions such as viewing a social contact profile, messaging
a social contact, inviting a social contact to join a social game,
requesting a remote participation input, transferring a social
gaming award, and the like. In one embodiment, the plurality of
social contact options 1050 may be arranged in a menu listing the
various options and include an option indicator 1020 to indicate
which social contact option in the menu has been selected by the
player. The option indicator 1020 may be, but is not limited to, an
arrowhead as illustrated in FIG. 10. Other shapes, indicators, and
the like may be used. Available social contact option may be
indicated by text formatting, colors, or other indicia. For
example, in the social contact option 1050, a profile may be viewed
for Zack as indicated by "View Profile" 1014a. Unavailable social
contact options may be indicated by text formatting, colors, or
other indicia different from that of available social contact
options. For example, a strikethrough 1014b can indicate inviting
the social contact Zack is unavailable to the player.
[0107] In one embodiment, the social contact options 1050 may
appear in the social contact list 1002 upon receipt of an input on
the gaming machine. For example, the input may be selection of an
"option" indicator presented on the GUI. In another example, the
input may be a selection of one of the at least one social gaming
users. The input may be a tap, double tap, press and hold, swipe,
slide, or other input.
[0108] The social gaming communications window 1022 can include a
session participant area 1026 and a communications area 1024. The
session participant area 1026 may contain a list of all contacts
participating in the social game session. In one embodiment, the
contacts may be listed using alpha-numeric text, as illustrated in
FIG. 10. In another embodiment, the contacts can be listed using
visual indicators such as pictures, logos, icons, graphics,
real-time video feed and other static and dynamic visual indicia or
methods. The communications area 1024 may convey communication
between the contacts participating in the social game session. In
one embodiment, the communication may be text based and the
communications area 1024 can be similar to instant messaging or
chat rooms. In another embodiment the communication can be video
chat based. In one embodiment, if the communication is video chat
based, the session participant area 1026 and the communications
area 1024 can be merged in one display area. The social gaming
communications window 1022 may then contain a plurality of
sections, each section contain a real-time video feed for each
contact. Audio from the video chat based communication may play
through at least one gaming machine speaker. In one embodiment, the
video chat based communication can be supplemented with text
transcription. The text transcription may be similar to known
instant messaging or chat rooms.
[0109] The social gaming log 1028 may display a plurality of events
1030 from a social game session. The plurality of events 1030 can
include, but is not limited to, an entrance into the social game
session by a contact participating in the social game session, an
exit from the social game session by a contact participating in the
social game session, a selection of one of the contacts for remote
participation, a result of the remote participation, a procurement
of an award, and the like. In one embodiment, the social gaming log
1028 may be a standalone window as illustrated in FIG. 10. In
another embodiment, the social gaming log 1028 can be integrated
into the social gaming communications window 1022.
[0110] FIGS. 11A and 11B illustrate one embodiment of an example
remote graphical user interface presented on a portable electronic
device. Referring to FIG. 11A, a remote GUI 1120 can be presented
on a display 1104 of a portable electronic device 1102. Although
FIG. 11A is described in reference to portable electronic devices,
the GUI 1120 can be presented on a display of any user device such
as computing devices or gaming machines. The portable electronic
device 1102 can be a mobile phone, a portable media player, a
personal digital assistant, a portable gaming device, or any other
similar device. In one embodiment, the display 1104 can be a liquid
crystal display screen, organic light-emitting diode screen or any
other type of display device found in portable electronic devices.
The display 1104 can have touch screen capabilities that may allow
a user to manipulate the remote social gaming interface 1120. In
another embodiment, the portable electronic device 1102 may also
have physical buttons or keys 1106 that can also allow the user to
manipulate the GUI 1120. In still another embodiment, the buttons
or keys may be virtually presented on the display 1104.
[0111] The remote social gaming interface 1120 may include a remote
game of chance window 1110 and a remote game of chance information
window 1108. The remote game of chance window 1110 can display a
representation of the game of chance being played on a gaming
machine by a player. The game of chance may be reel-based slot
games, video poker, video blackjack, lottery games, electronic
table games, or any other primary games of chance. In one
embodiment, the remote game of chance window 1110 may display a
real-time stream of the game of chance from the gaming machine. If
the game of chance is digitally displayed on the gaming machine,
the real-time stream may mirror a display of the gaming machine on
the remote game chance of window 1110. For example, if the game of
chance involves physical reels, cards, dice, or similar gaming
objects, a camera may capture activity of the game of chance. The
real-time stream can be generated using flash video technology,
HTML 5, or other codecs and technology commonly used for streaming
video over a network. In another embodiment, the remote game of
chance window 1110 may display a real-time animation of the game of
chance. For example, if the game of chance is a reel-based slot
game with a plurality of physical reels, the remote game of chance
window 1110 may show a digitally animated recreation of the
plurality of physical reels. In yet another embodiment, the remote
game of chance window 1110 may display a plurality of significant
events from the game of chance posted by the social gaming
server.
[0112] The remote game of chance information window 1108 can
display information related to the game of chance. The information
displayed in the remote game of chance information window 1108 can
include a wager amount 1130, total credits 1132, pay lines 1134, or
any other information typically associated with a primary game of
chance. In one embodiment, the remote game of chance information
window 1108 may be a standalone window as illustrated in FIG. 11A.
In another embodiment, the remote game of chance information window
1108 can be integrated into the remote game of chance window
1110.
[0113] The GUI 1120 may include a remote social gaming
communications window 1112. The remote social gaming communications
window 1112 may contain a list of at least one contact that may be
selected to participate in the social game session. The at least
one contact may be any one or combination of the local user, remote
user, or third party user as illustrated in FIG. 1. In one
embodiment, the contacts may be listed using alpha-numeric text. In
another embodiment, the contacts can be listed using visual
indicators such as pictures, logos, avatars, icons, graphics,
real-time video feed and other static and dynamic visual indicia or
method. The remote social gaming communications window 1112 may
convey communication between the contacts participating in the
social game session. In one embodiment, the communication may be
text based. In another embodiment the communication can be a video
chat with an optional text transcription.
[0114] The GUI 1120 may include a contact list 1118. The contact
list 1118 can display a list of contacts for selection by the
player. In one embodiment, the plurality of social contacts can be
represented by alpha-numeric text such as, but not only, a name, an
email address, a phone number, or an alias. In another embodiment,
the plurality of social contacts in the contact list 1118 may be
represented by pictures, icons, avatars, or other indicia. Although
not illustrated, each contact may be associated with a status
indicator, options, and the like as discussed with reference FIG.
10.
[0115] The GUI 1120 may include a social game session list 1116.
The social game session list 1116 can list any active social game
sessions the contact is currently participating or observing. The
contact may be connected to a first social game session and may be
able to join or observe a second social game session. Upon joining
the second social game session, content from the remote game of
chance window 1110, the remote game of chance information window
1108, and the remote social gaming communications window 1112 may
switch from that of the first social game session to that of the
second social game session. The social game session list 1116 may
also updated to reflect the current social game session.
[0116] The GUI 1120 may include a remote input indicator 1114. FIG.
11A illustrates the remote input indicator 1114 in an inactive
mode. In this embodiment, the remote input indicator 1114 is
illustrated in dashed lines. However, this is not intended to be
limiting as the remote input indicator 1114 may be indicated as
being inactive by any other presentation such as being faded,
visibly faint, unfilled, blacked out, and the like.
[0117] When inactive, the remote input indicator 1114 can indicate
that the player has not selected the contact to make the remote
input or that the remote input has not been enabled on the portable
electronic device.
[0118] Although the inactive remote input indicator 1114 is
illustrated with a spin label, this is not intended to be limiting.
The remote input indicator may be based upon the type and theme of
the social game session. For example, if the social game session is
a video blackjack, the remote input indicator may have a "hit",
"stay", and "double down" label.
[0119] Referring now to FIG. 11B, the GUI 1120 may have an active
remote input indicator 1154. When active, the remote input
indicator 1154 can indicate that the player has selected the
contact to make the remote input and/or that the remote input
indicator 1154 has been enabled on the portable electronic device
1102. As illustrated, the active remote input indicator 1154 may be
solid to represent activeness. In another embodiment, a border of
the active remote input indicator 1154 may be solid to represent
activeness. In yet another embodiment, the active remote input
indicator 1154 may be a predetermined color to represent
activeness. For example, the active remote input indicator 1154 can
be red. In still another embodiment, the active remote input
indicator 1154 may blink to represent activeness.
[0120] Moreover, the remote social gaming communications window
1112 may indicate the contact has been selected to participate in
the social gaming session. As illustrated, "JERRY has requested
that you spin the reels" may be presented.
[0121] A timer 1152 may be presented on the GUI 1120. The user may
have a predetermined period of time to participate in the social
gaming session. The timer 1152 may inform the user of the time left
to participate. For example, the user may have one minute forty-two
seconds to participate in the social gaming session by selecting
the remote input indicator 1154. The portable electronic device
1102 may refresh the timer 1152 as the amount of time left
decreases. The timer 1152 may continue to refresh until the amount
of time left decreases to "0". The timer 1152 may be presented
using digital numbers, clock face, or any other time
representation. In one embodiment, the timer 1152 can simply
display the total amount of seconds. In one embodiment, the timer
1152 may be visible when the remote input indicator is active.
[0122] When selected by the contact, the portable electronic device
1102 can transmit the remote input from the portable electronic
device 1102 to a social gaming server, a gaming server, or a gaming
machine via a network (as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2).
[0123] FIG. 12 illustrates another embodiment of a graphical user
interface presented on a portable electronic device. A remote
social gaming interface 1210 can be presented on a display 1204 of
a portable electronic device 1202. Although FIG. 12 is described in
reference to portable electronic devices, the remote social gaming
interface 1210 can be presented on a display of any user device as
discussed above.
[0124] The remote social gaming interface 1210 may include a
plurality of social game session monitoring windows 1208-1208n.
While FIG. 12 is illustrated with two social game session
monitoring windows, this is not intended to be limiting as the GUI
1210 may include any number of social game session monitoring
windows. Each of the plurality of social game session monitoring
windows 1208-1208n may monitor a different social game session.
Each of the plurality of social game session monitoring windows
1208-1208n may include, but is not limited to, a remote game of
chance information window and a remote social gaming communications
window for a particular social game session.
[0125] A new social game session monitoring window 1208a-1208n may
be generated when the user joins a new social game session. In one
embodiment, upon the user joining the new social game session, the
remote social gaming interface 1210 can resize existing social game
session monitoring windows 1208a-1208n to accommodate the new
social game session. In one embodiment, the GUI 1210 may
automatically be resized to equally allocate space for each social
game session monitoring window 1208-1208n. 1208-1208n For example,
for two social game session monitoring windows 1208-1208n, each
window 1208-1208n may be allocated half of the GUI 1210. If the
contact joins a new social game session, the GUI 1210 may divide
and present each social gaming session monitoring window 1208-1208n
on one third of the GUI 1210. Thus, the social gaming session
monitoring windows 1208-1208n are equal in size.
[0126] In another embodiment, the plurality of social game session
monitoring windows 1208-1208n may be different sizes. The size of
each game session monitoring window 1208-1208n may depend upon any
number of factors including, but not limited to, user preference,
level of activity, wager amount, or request for a remote
participation input. For example, for game sessions having a lower
credit amount, the game session monitoring window 1208-1208n may be
smaller than a game session having a larger credit amount. In
another example, the user may manually allocate the size for each
social game session monitoring window 1208-1208n.
[0127] FIG. 13 illustrates yet another embodiment of an example
graphical user interface presented on a display of a portable
electronic device. The GUI 1320 can be presented on a display 1304
of a portable electronic device 1302. The portable electronic
device 1302 may have physical buttons or keys 1306 that can also
allow the contact to manipulate the GUI 1320. The GUI 1320 may
include a remote game of chance window 1310 and a remote game of
chance information window 1308 similar to the GUI illustrated in
FIGS. 10-12.
[0128] The remote game of chance window 1310 may display a
real-time stream of the game of chance being played by JERRY. The
real-time stream may mirror a display of the gaming machine on the
remote game chance of window 1310. The streaming of at least a
portion of game information from the gaming machine may be
transmitted by a game server, a social gaming server, or any other
server. In one embodiment, the remote game of chance window 1310
may display a plurality of events from the game of chance posted by
the social gaming server. As illustrated, "SPIN BUTTON active for
next 2 min." is an event that is currently occurring.
[0129] The remote game of chance information window 1308 can also
display information related to the game of chance, a remote social
gaming communications window 1312, a remote social contact list
1318, a social game session list 1316, a remote input indicator
1314, as discussed above. The GUI 1320 may also have an award
notification 1322 to inform the user that an award has been earned.
The award notification 1322 may become visible when the player or
the user has earned an award as discussed in detail above. Although
the award notification 1322 is illustrated in FIG. 13 on top of the
remote game of chance window 1310, this is not intended to be
limiting as the award notification 1322 can be presented or
displayed anywhere in the GUI 1320 on the display 1304. In one
example, the award notification 1322 may include a description 1324
describing the award such as "YOU EARNED A 5.times. MULTIPLIER".
The award notification 1322 may also include graphics such as, but
not only, an icon to visually represent the award.
[0130] The GUI 1320 may alternatively display an award icon 1326.
The award icon 1326 may indicate that the user received a new
award. The award icon 1326 can be any graphic, logo, or picture
that can represent the award. For example, if the user earns a
5.times. win multiplier by remotely participating in the game of
chance, the award icon 1326 can be a box printed with a "5.times."
indicia. In one embodiment, the contact may receive the new award
simply by participating in the social game session. The contact may
also receive the new award because the player gifted the new award
to the contact.
[0131] In one embodiment, the contact may select the award icon
1326 to associate and save the award for the contact, transfer the
award back to the player, or redeem the award as discussed in
detail in FIG. 8.
[0132] While embodiments and applications of this invention have
been shown and described, it would be apparent to those skilled in
the art having the benefit of this disclosure that many more
modifications than mentioned above are possible without departing
from the inventive concepts herein.
* * * * *
References